By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has declared the Comrade Shehu Mohammed-led leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) as the only duly recognised and legitimate leadership of the union.
The TUC, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade General N.A. Toro, PhD, mni, said the position was consistent with ASCSN’s status as a bona fide affiliate of Congress and the outcome of the union’s duly convened Delegates Conference held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on August 12, 2024.
According to the statement, the conference was observed by the Registrar of Trade Unions in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Amos Falonipe, as well as the TUC President General, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General, Comrade General N.A. Toro.
The TUC said the recognition of the Shehu Mohammed-led administration was also in line with established statutory and industrial relations procedures governing the labour movement in Nigeria.
The Congress, however, expressed concern over what it described as the activities of “unauthorised individuals and groups” allegedly parading themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN.
It described such activities as illegal and an act of impersonation capable of undermining the unity and institutional integrity of the labour movement, as well as industrial peace and national stability.
The TUC further rejected reliance on the alleged impostors on a lower court judgment, arguing that the judgment was currently under appeal at the Court of Appeal by the Shehu Mohammed-led administration.
It maintained that pending the final determination of the matter by competent courts, those individuals lacked lawful authority to act, represent or transact business on behalf of ASCSN.
The Congress therefore advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners and members of the public to deal exclusively with the Shehu Mohammed-led leadership of ASCSN on all matters concerning the union.
The TUC also called the attention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to the alleged acts of impersonation, urging them to investigate and take appropriate lawful action.
The Congress warned that individuals or groups outside the recognised Shehu Mohammed-led ASCSN lacked the mandate to act on behalf of the union.
It further stated that any engagement, negotiation or transaction conducted with such persons would be regarded by the TUC as unauthorised, warning parties dealing with them that they would do so at their own risk.
The TUC said it would deploy all lawful, institutional and industrial mechanisms available to defend its affiliate, uphold discipline within the labour movement and protect the sanctity of democratic trade union processes.
The Congress urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant, respect due process and support what it described as the legitimate structures of ASCSN.
